By Carolyn Reid
After having a discussion earlier in the year that suggested the city would possibly consider bowing out of of floodplain regulations, the discussion with Brian Thompson at the October 27 regular meeting led to renewal of the Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance, an action that was voted in by a unanimous vote during a special meeting held on Tuesday, October 24.
The ordinance will allow homeowners a five percent discount on flood insurance through their home insurance company.
During the discussion, Code Enforcement Officer Steve Groh asked Thompson, who is a consultant for planning and zoning regarding flood plain information, if buildings could be rehabbed at 50 percent of the value they held before the flood damage. Thompson addressed the complications that arise from attempting to rehab such a building. Those focus mainly on tracking expenses if the person rehabbed it himself. Hiring a contractor would be easier to track, he said, but that would entail more expense.
Thompson said he expected the city go fall from a Level 7 in flood plain mitigation to a Level 8, especially due to changes in ownership of the fairgrounds. The schools are no longer in charge of that property, and that is the reason he gave for the expected fall.
Thompson also shared the city could have an unexpected number of federal loan defaults among its homeowners who have federal loans for their homes if the flood prevention ordinance is discontinued.
After Thompson's presentation, City Attorney Brandon Voelker held the first reading for the Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance and the Electric Franchise Ordinance.
Councilperson Bobby Pettit, toward the end of the meeting, requested all salaries from last year's fiscal year and this year's budget. He emphasized he wanted everyone's salaries. Mayor Sebastian Ernst asked, "All?" Pettit restated, "All, with the cost broken down." Councilperson Luke Price went farther and asked for a breakdown of everything.
In old business, Pettit said he was still looking into a building inspector. He reported to council the state was making it harder for people to obtain certification.
In other news, the state has approved plans for the new bridge lights; council addressed a complaint of engine braking by commercial trucks that is occurring around Cardinal Ridge by holding a first reading of an ordinance forbidding the practice, and a special meeting was scheduled for October 24 to vote on the ordinances to be put in place.
The next caucus of city council will be Tuesday, November 7, at 6:30 at city hall. Enter by the doors off Shelby Street.